Wasserstadt Limmer

The urban design concept replaces the existing contiguous building with two separate structures.
Building W8 assumes the role of preserving the identity of the historic structure, while W9 serves as a connecting element between W8 and the listed administrative building. The space created between W8 and W9 establishes visual and pedestrian connections between the market or district square and the waterfront promenade. Both structures gain distinct architectural identities through their positioning.
As a residential building parallel to the canal, W8 aligns with the dimensions of its predecessor, offering seven full floors and a rooftop level. The ground floor accommodates spaces for retail, gastronomy, and a cultural meeting point, while the upper floors feature studio apartments, loggias, and flexible layouts. The façade, made of solid brick, is characterized by vertical pilasters, with elements of the original structure preserved above the bridge passage.
Building W9, designed as a five-story office building, houses a daycare center on the ground floor. The office spaces above are flexibly designed and accessed via a central core. The understated brick façade is structured by vertical pilasters and a horizontal roofline that aligns with the eaves of the neighboring administrative building.
A shared underground parking garage connects the two buildings and keeps motorized traffic away from public spaces.
Both structures are constructed using modular skeleton frameworks. The roof and upper floors of W8 are made of wood. Wastewater heat pumps and solar energy meet the energy needs, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. Rainwater is partially retained and used for landscaping.